Thom In The News

Feb 18 2019

The U.S. Senate approved a piece of bipartisan legislation on Feb. 12 that aims to strengthen partnerships between federal agencies and the country's more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The bill, informally known as the HBCU PARTNERS Act, was introduced by U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. A companion bill was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Alma Adams, D-N.C., and U.S. Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C.

Coons said HBCUs open higher education to new generations of students.

"I’m proud to make sure that federal agencies actively work to support HBCUs’ critical missions," he said.

This piece of legislation is designed to build on President Donald Trump’s 2017 executive order on HBCUs, promoting their important role in higher education as supports of economic growth and public service.

“HBCUs play an important role in developing a strong, diverse workforce in North Carolina and across the country,” Tillis said in a statement. “The bipartisan HBCU PARTNERS Act will help support and expand HBCU programs and ensure the next generation of students can have the opportunity to attend these historical institutions.”